One of America’s great adventure cities, Portland, Maine, is as well known for its craggy shoreline and fresh seafood. Soon, it may also be known for its trails. The growing network of local singletrack varies as much in style and substance as do the people of this seaside locale, from smooth singletrack to super-technical trials-skills-needed trails and everything in between. Even better? Those options are expanding all the time, thanks to an active and open cycling scene that welcomes newcomers and works with local land managers to keep trails clear and accessible.

The crowning jewel in the area: Bradbury Mountain State Park. It’s actually a few minutes to the north along I-95. The east side of the park features trails designed almost exclusively by mountain bikers—the singletrack is tight, twisty and flowy, with some downhills that are akin to a high-speed pump track. To get a good sample, link together the Fox, Ginn, Ragan and Lanzo trails for a 6-plus-mile loop (there’s also the near-trials-course O trail, if you like that sort of thing). It’s well worth the $3 entry fee; unlike many other Portland-area locales, the map here is useful.

In town riding? One fun option is Evergreen Cemetery on Stevens Ave. It’s super-technical, rooty and rocky—gnarly drop-ins and short technical climbs packed into a few miles of trail make this a fun place to boost your skills. And it also serves as a reminder: No matter where you ride around Portland, roots, rocks, branches and debris can take their toll on derailleur hangers, but flats are the most-common occurrence. Bring a few spare tubes or be ready to patch and pump. Most of all, don’t go alone. The locals know all the cool offshoots that make each ride spectacular—and they’re happy to share. Check out the Rage On Portland e-mail list. They’d be happy for you to join the next ride.

GET HOOKEDWhen to go: Summer through fall. Things can stay wet well into June.

Try This Ride: Bradbury Mountain State Park is in Pownal, 20 miles north of Portland on I-95. In Pownal, follow signs to the park. Pay your entrance fee, get a trail map, and follow the directions above.